Guided data entry

ABSTRACT

Techniques are disclosed for interacting with a user entering information for a computer application. In one general aspect, the invention provides for displaying a pane as a user interface for a user to enter information in a sequence of steps. The pane includes an information entry area, an interactive first step symbol capable of initiating a first step in the sequence, and a first indicator placed after the first step symbol. The first indicator indicates that a selection of a step to follow the first step depends on information received in the first step. A second step is selected to follow the first step using information received in the first step, and the first indicator is removed. An interactive second step symbol capable of initiating the second step is placed after the first step symbol.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to computer user interfaces.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Computer users sometimes use wizards to assist them whenperforming a series of tasks. One example of such a wizard can beutilized during an installation of a software application. The wizardmay appear as a pop-up window, and include queries and instructionsdesigned to guide a user through the installation process in a definedsequence of steps. At each step, the user may be prompted to enterinformation, after which the user may select a button that causes thewizard to advance to the next step in the sequence. When the wizardreaches a final step of the sequence, the user may be asked to select a“finish” button, the process may conclude, and the wizard may disappear.

[0003] While wizards can be effective for simple tasks that have adefined sequence of steps, they may not be effective for complex stepsequences where dynamic decision-making is needed. While using a wizard,the user may not realize how the process steps relate to one anotherbecause the wizard may not apprise the user of positional relationshipsbetween the sequence steps.

[0004] Wizards may not be able to satisfactorily display alternativeprocess steps to the user. Wizards also may not be able tosatisfactorily display the existence of conditional process steps to theuser. Some wizards are also restrictive by not allowing the user toselect a process step directly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention provides techniques for interacting with a userentering information for a computer system application. In one generalaspect, the invention provides for the display of a pane as a userinterface for the user to enter information in a sequence of steps. Thepane includes an information entry area, an interactive first stepsymbol capable of initiating a first step in the sequence, and a firstindicator placed after the first step symbol. The first indicatorindicates that a selection of a step to follow the first step depends oninformation received in the first step. A second step is selected tofollow the first step using information received in the first step. Thefirst indicator is removed and an interactive second step symbol capableof initiating the second step is placed after the first step symbol.

[0006] In some embodiments, the information received in the first stepmay be processed. After processing the information, a status indicatormay be provided for the first step symbol to indicate a level ofcompletion of the first step. The status indicator may be selected fromthe group consisting of a completion indicator, a warning indicator, anda failure indicator. The sequence may include two or more steps, eachassociated with a step symbol. Information may be received and processedfor each of the steps in turn, and each step symbol may be provided astatus indicator after processing information received in that step.Each status indicator may indicate a level of completion for that step.The interactive first step symbol may be made interactive aftersuccessfully processing information received in a prior step of thesequence. A termination symbol associated with a final step of thesequence is displayed, and is highlighted following a completion of thesequence of steps.

[0007] The first indicator may represent a conditional step followingthe first step, and the conditional step may be conditioned on theinformation received in the first step. Selecting the second step mayinclude deciding whether the conditional step should be initiated. Itmay be decided that the conditional step should not be initiated, inwhich case the second step symbol may be moved from a position after thefirst indicator to a position after the first step symbol.Alternatively, it may be decided that the conditional step should beinitiated, in which case the second step symbol may be placed betweenthe first step symbol and an interactive third step symbol.

[0008] An interactive third step symbol capable of initiating a thirdstep in the sequence may be displayed after the second step symbol, anda second indicator may be displayed after the third step symbol. Thesecond indicator indicates that a selection of a step to follow thethird step depends on information received in the third step. Thesequence may include at least two alternative steps following the firststep, such that a choice between the alternative steps depends on theinformation received in the first step. The second step may be selectedby choosing between the alternative steps.

[0009] Advantages of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing. Improved user interface functionality for interacting with auser entering information in a sequence of steps. Improved flexibilityin user interface applications by providing direct access to sequencesteps. Convenient representation of complex step sequences that requiredynamic decision-making. Convenient representation of positionalrelationships between the steps of the sequence, alternative processsteps and conditional process steps.

[0010] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are setforth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otherfeatures, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that may utilize aspects ofthe invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a screen snapshot of a computer display embodying theinvention;

[0013]FIGS. 3-6 are selected portions of computer displays embodying theinvention; and

[0014]FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an operation of auser interface software application that embodies the invention.

[0015] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate likeelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A computer system 10, shown in FIG. 1, includes a processing unit12, one or more input devices 14, and a display device 16 upon which auser may be presented displays. The display device 16 has a screen 18upon which displays may appear.

[0017] As is conventional, the processing unit 12 includes a processor20, random access memory (RAM) 22, and read-only memory (ROM) 24, allinterconnected by a data bus 26. Input device controllers 28, alsoconnected to the data bus 26, receive command signals from input devices14 and forward the command signals in the appropriate format forprocessing. A video controller 30, connected to the data bus 26,receives video command signals from the data bus 26 and generates theappropriate video signals that are forwarded to the display device 16 sothat the desired display is provided on the screen 18. The computersystem 10 is not limited to a personal computer, but could insteadinclude a personal digital assistant, a terminal, a workstation, orother such device.

[0018] ROM 24, as is conventional, may provide non-volatile data storagefor various application programs 32, 34, etc. As is conventional,programs 32 and 34 have program instructions that may be loaded into RAM22 during operation. Processor 20 may then execute the programinstructions, as required, to perform particular program functions. Alsostored in ROM 24 is a user interface program 36 that may be designed towork in concert with each of the application programs 32, 34, etc. Thisis conceptually depicted in FIG. 1 by the user interface program 36being shown as a layer on top of the application programs 32, 34, etc.

[0019] With such a design, user interface program modules common toseveral application programs need not be duplicated in each of theapplication programs. In addition, such a design may enable a common“look-and-feel” to the user interface for the different programapplications 32, 34, etc. The user interface program 36 may create adisplay in accordance with the invention to be presented to a user onscreen 18 of display device 16. The user may interact with the displayby providing input using an input device 14, such as a mouse, keyboard,light pen, touchpad, joystick, etc. The user interface program 36 mayuse the received input to take appropriate actions, such as creating anew display, interacting with applications programs 32 and/or 34,accessing a database (not shown), or accessing server 40 (describedbelow), to list just a few examples. In other implementations, the userinterface program, or module, need not be a common program or module formore than one program application. Also, the components just describedcould be combined or separated in various manners, and could be storedin various manners, such as on various non-volatile storage medium.

[0020] Also shown in FIG. 1 is server 40. The computer system 10 mayaccess server 40 to run applications residing on the server 40. Thecomputer system 10 may do so by using a network interface 42 connectedto its data bus 26 to access a network 44. Network 44 may be, forexample, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or theInternet. As is conventional, the server 40 includes a network interface46, a processor 48, RAM 50, and ROM 52, all interconnected by a data bus54. The server's network interface 46 provides the connection to network44 so that client computer systems, such as system 10, can access theserver 40. In similar fashion to computer system 10, the server ROM 52includes various different application programs 56, 58, etc., as well asa common user interface program 60 for the application programs 56, 58,etc. User interface program 60 may operate similarly to user interfaceprogram 36. Any of the entities described above in server ROM 52 couldalternatively be located in a separate server, database, or computersystem.

[0021] The following description is set in the exemplary context of aprogram application for human capital management (HCM). An HCM programapplication can manage a company's interactions with its employees, forexample hiring new employees, payroll processing, organizationalhierarchies, etc. In one implementation, the HCM application program ismade up of several different application program modules, some of whichreside on a client computer, such as system 10, while others reside on acentral server, such as server 40. HCM functions typically generate andrequire access to a large amount of data that is stored in variousdatabases on a client or server. The data can include personal employeeinformation, job-related employee information, organizationalinformation, and financial or strategic planning information, to listjust a few examples. In other implementations, the application programcould reside entirely on the client computer system 10 or entirely onserver 40.

[0022]FIG. 2 shows an exemplary pane 201 that may be presented on screen18 to a user of an HCM application program. In this example, a user isusing the program to view and enter personal data and organizationalassignment information for a newly hired employee. The user, who maywork in the company's human resources department, may be entering theinformation prior to the new employee's start date to update thecompany's records of organizational units (such as sales teams andassociated sales district responsibilities, for example).

[0023] The pane 201 includes a step bar 202, a toolbar 204, and aninformation entry area 206. The user may enter information in a sequenceof steps, aided by step bar 202, which may provide the user guidance andvisual feedback during the information entry process. Step bar 202includes a title 208 near a left edge of the step bar 202 to inform theuser of the purpose of the pane 201. In this example, the title 208 is“Change Position,” indicating that pane 201 may be used to add or updateemployee information categorized by the position or job responsibilityof the employee. In other implementations, the title 208 may be omitted.

[0024] A group 210 of step symbols, to the right of the title 208,identifies a sequence of steps in the information entry process. If astep symbol is interactive, the user may initiate the corresponding stepby selecting that interactive step symbol. Step symbols 212, 214, 216,218 and 220 are interactive and the user may select a step symbol (e.g.,using an input device 14, such as a mouse) to initiate the associatedstep. The information entry area 206 may be updated corresponding to theselected step in the sequence, and appropriate messages may bedisplayed. For example, different steps may have different input fields.Moreover, individual steps may have dependencies that provide forcertain steps to be executed in a defined order, as will be describedbelow.

[0025] A “Personal Data” step symbol 212 is associated with a step is ofthe sequence where personal data is entered. In FIG. 2, the “PersonalData” step symbol 212 is highlighted to indicate that the personal-datastep has been initiated and that information currently displayed in pane201 relates to the personal-data step.

[0026] The information entry area 206 allows the user to enter and editdata. The information entry area 206 may be updated as a new step in thesequence is initiated to provide the appropriate input fields for thestep associated with the currently selected step symbol. Informationentry area 206 includes a “Status” group 222 of input fields and a“Name” group 224 of input fields to facilitate the entry of suchinformation.

[0027] Information entry area 206 need not contain input fields. It cancontain instructions, warnings, status messages, and/or an area forentering notes. Conventional user interface input means such asdrop-down selection boxes, checkboxes and the like are also possible. Agroup of three icons 226, located in an upper right corner of pane 201,permit the user to select a size for pane 201, e.g., small, medium, orlarge.

[0028] “Organizational Assignment” step symbol 214, to the right of the“Personal Data” step symbol 212, is associated with a step of thesequence where organizational assignment data is entered. Following thestep symbol 214 are step symbols for steps where other information maybe entered: 216 (Create Vacancy), 218 (Planned Working Time), and 220(Basic Pay). The step bar 202 concludes with a termination symbol 228that represents a final step in the sequence. The termination symbol 228is highlighted when the sequence of steps has been completely executed.

[0029] The toolbar 204 provides functionality for the pane 201. A “NextStep” button 230, when selected, may cause the application program toadvance to the next step in the sequence. This may involve processinginformation received in the currently selected step. Selecting the “NextStep” button 230 may also cause the application program to display astatus indicator (which is not shown in FIG. 2 but will be discussedlater) with the currently selected step.

[0030] In an embodiment where the sequence comprises a plurality ofsteps, wherein each step is associated with a step symbol, theinformation for each of the steps may be received and processed in turn.Each step symbol may be provided with a status indicator after theprocessing of information received in that step.

[0031] Similarly, a “Previous Step” button 232 may, when selected, causethe application program to revert to a step prior to the current step inthe sequence. In this manner, a user may proceed through the sequence ofsteps using the step bar 202, the toolbar 204, and the information entryarea 206. A “Personalize” icon 234 and a “Help” icon 236 permit the userto select customized preferences for pane 201 and receive help,respectively. Toolbar 204 may be updated as a new step is initiated instep bar 202. Thus, the toolbar 204 may, for example, contain additionalfunctionality means, including custom functionality such as actionbuttons particular to a selected sequence step.

[0032]FIGS. 3-6 and the accompanying description will focus on stepbars. The step bars may be part of panes displayed on screen 18, similarto the pane 201 shown in FIG. 2 and described above. Such panes may alsoinclude toolbars and information entry areas. For simplicity, however,only the step bars are shown in FIGS. 3-6.

[0033]FIG. 3 shows a step bar 300 that includes step symbols that aresimilar to those shown in FIG. 2, as will be described below. Step bar300 includes a “Personal Data” step symbol 302 with an associated statusindicator 304, and a highlighted “Organizational Assignment” step symbol306. Status indicator 304 includes a checkmark displayed within the“Personal Data” step symbol 302 as a completion indicator to the userthat the personal-data step of the sequence has been successfullycompleted. In other implementations, the status indicator 304 couldappear at another location within the step bar or elsewhere on thedisplay, or it could be omitted. Status indicator 304 may include othertypes of status indicators such as a warning indicator or failureindicator, and may be colored.

[0034] The “Organizational Assignment” step symbol 306 is highlighted inFIG. 3 to indicate that an organizational-assignment step has beeninitiated. A pane where step bar 300 is located (in analogy with pane201) may include an updated information entry area having input fieldsfor receiving organizational assignment information in theorganizational-assignment step, and a toolbar.

[0035] The sequence may include conditional steps, that is, steps thatwill be initiated only upon a particular condition or conditions. In thestep bar 300, conditional-step indicator 308 is located between the“Organizational Assignment” step symbol 306 and a “Create Vacancy” stepsymbol 310. The conditional-step indicator 308 represents one or moreconditional steps that may be included between theorganizational-assignment step and the create-vacancy step of thesequence, depending on information received in theorganizational-assignment step. Thus, the program may select anappropriate step to follow the organizational-assignment step. If, basedon the received information, one or more of the conditional steps are tobe used in the sequence of steps, the step bar can include one or moreadditional step symbols after the “Organizational Assignment” stepsymbol 306 that represent the one or more conditional steps. Conversely,if, based on the received information, the conditional steps are not tobe used in the sequence, the “Create Vacancy” step symbol 310 can beplaced directly after the “Organizational Assignment” step symbol 306.

[0036] For example, the organizational-assignment step might involve anorganizational assignment of the new employee. As such, the user mightbe prompted to enter information in appropriate input fields of acorresponding information entry area to indicate the country in whichthe new employee will be based. In this example, entering the name of aparticular country may trigger one or more conditional steps representedby the conditional-step indicator 308. Here, the user has enteredinformation in the organizational-assignment step specifying that thenew employee is to be based in India.

[0037]FIG. 4 shows the step bar 300 where the conditional-step indicator308 from FIG. 3 has been replaced by a “For India” conditional-stepsymbol 312 representing a conditional step that was initiated as aresult of receiving information in the organizational-assignment step.The “Create Vacancy” step symbol 310 now appears after theconditional-step symbol 312 to indicate that the create-vacancy stepfollows the conditional step in the sequence.

[0038] In this example, a single conditional step (represented byconditional-step symbol 312) was initiated. In other situations, two ormore conditional-step symbols may be added, representing respectiveconditional steps. More than one conditional-step indicator may occur instep bar 300, and incremental conditional-step indicators may be used.For example, another conditional-step indicator (not shown) may bedisplayed in step bar 300 after conditional-step symbol 312 (whichrepresents a “For India” conditional step) and before the “CreateVacancy” step symbol 310, to indicate that one or more conditional stepsare possible, depending on input received in the “For India” conditionalstep.

[0039] The sequence may contain alternative steps, as will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 5. A step bar 500 represents a sequenceof steps where a choice between two or more alternative steps is to bemade. A “Personal Data” step symbol 502 is highlighted and has acompletion status indicator that indicates that the personal-data stephas previously been completed. An “Organizational Assignment” stepsymbol 504 and a “Create Vacancy” step symbol 506 follow after the“Personal Data” step symbol 502, and respectively representorganizational-assignment and create-vacancy steps of the sequence.

[0040] The “Create Vacancy” step symbol 506 is lighter in color than theother step symbols described so far, which may indicate that it is notinteractive. A step symbol may be non-interactive (that is, notselectable by the user) if it depends on information that must first bereceived in a previous sequence step. In the FIG. 5 example, the usermay have to first complete the organizational-assignment step (e.g., byselecting the “Organizational Assignment” step symbol 504 and enteringinformation in associated information entry area input fields), afterwhich the “Create Vacancy” step symbol 506 may become interactive (thatis, selectable by the user).

[0041] A branch indicator 508 following the “Create Vacancy” step symbol506 represents two or more alternative steps after the create-vacancystep. A choice is to be made between the alternative steps depending oninformation received in a previous step of the sequence, such as theorganizational-assignment step or the create-vacancy step. Thus, thestep bar 500 visually represents a dynamic sequence of steps and informsthe user that information provided may resolve a choice betweenalternative sequence steps. Step bar 500 does not include a terminationsymbol because the sequence does not have a currently defined finalstep, pending resolution of branch indicator 508.

[0042] The choice between alternative steps to follow the create-vacancystep may depend on information received in the create-vacancy step.Three exemplary alternative steps will be mentioned here. As a firstexample, the new employee may be hired to manage a team of workers, inwhich case it may be desirable to initiate a step of entering the namesof those current employees who will report to the new manager. As asecond example, the new employee might be hired in a non-managerialposition where flexible working hours are possible, and it may bedesirable to initiate a step of entering a schedule of normal workinghours for the new employee. As a third example, the new employee may beslated to work a certain shift each day, and it may be desirable toinitiate a step of entering information to specify the production teamon which the new employee will be staffed. After the necessaryinformation has been entered, it will be decided which of thealternative steps should be initiated.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 6, it will now be described how step bar500 may be updated when the sequence proceeds with the alternative stepin the second example just mentioned. The branch indicator 508 thatappeared in FIG. 5 has now been removed. A “Planned Working Time” stepsymbol 510 appears after the “Create Vacancy” step symbol 506. A “BasicPay” step symbol 512 follows the “Planned Working Time” step symbol 510and represents a step of entering salary information. The step symbols510 and 512 both represent alternative steps in that they may not havebeen initiated but for the entry of certain information in a previousstep. A termination symbol 514 represents a final step of the sequence.In another embodiment, information from the organizational-assignmentstep in FIG. 5 may be used to resolve the choice between alternativesteps represented by branch indicator 508.

[0044] Incremental branch indicators may be used. For example, in FIG.6, the branch indicator 508 could appear in lieu of the “Basic Pay” stepsymbol 512 and termination symbol 514. It may then represent two or morealternative steps to follow the planned-working-time step.

[0045] The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows an example of a process that theuser interface program 36 may perform. The process performed by theprocessor 20 begins, at step 710, with displaying a pane that includesan information entry area (such as information entry area 206), aninteractive first step symbol (such as step symbol 306), and a firstindicator (such as conditional-step indicator 308 or branch indicator508) on screen 18. The process continues, at step 720, with selecting asecond step using information received in the first step. This mayinvolve deciding to initiate a conditional step such as one representedby the conditional-step indicator 308. As another example, it mayinvolve deciding which step to initiate among alternative steps, such asdeciding to initiate a step represented by the branch indicator 508.

[0046] Next, the first indicator is removed and an interactive secondstep symbol is placed after the first step symbol at step 730. This mayinvolve placing the step symbol 312 after step symbol 306 (FIG. 4). Asanother example, it may involve moving step symbol 310 to immediatelybehind step symbol 306. As yet another example, it may involve placingstep symbol 510 immediately after step symbol 506 (FIG. 6).

[0047] The particular embodiments discussed and depicted above aremerely illustrative, and may be modified and reconfigured readily inaccordance with the teachings set forth herein. By way of non-limitingexample, the step bars need not be arranged horizontally, but couldinstead be arranged vertically, diagonally, etc. The conditional-stepindicators and the branch indicators discussed and depicted herein maybe provided in alternative shapes and sizes, as may the step symbols. Astep bar may simultaneously provide a conditional-step indicator and abranch indicator. Step symbols may include markings, labels, and thelike to indicate that a corresponding step is required, whereas othersteps may be optional. When the program processes the enteredinformation and detects an error, an error message may be written to alog file.

[0048] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of interacting with a user enteringinformation, the method comprising: displaying a pane as a userinterface for a user to enter information in a sequence of steps, thepane comprising an information entry area, an interactive first stepsymbol capable of initiating a first step in the sequence, and a firstindicator placed after the first step symbol, the first indicatorindicating that a selection of a step to follow the first step dependson information received in the first step; selecting a second step tofollow the first step using information received in the first step; andremoving the first indicator and placing an interactive second stepsymbol after the first step symbol, the second step symbol being capableof initiating the second step.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising processing the information received in the first step.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising providing the first step symbolwith a status indicator after processing the information, the statusindicator indicating a level of completion of the first step.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the status indicator is selected from thegroup consisting of a completion indicator, a warning indicator, and afailure indicator.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sequencecomprises a plurality of steps and wherein each step is associated witha step symbol, further comprising receiving and processing informationfor each of the steps in turn, and providing each step symbol with astatus indicator after processing information received in that step,each status indicator indicating a level of completion for that step. 6.The method of claim 1 wherein the interactive first step symbol was madeinteractive after successfully processing information received in aprior step of the sequence, the prior step preceding the first step inthe sequence.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying atermination symbol associated with a final step of the sequence, thetermination symbol being highlighted following a completion of thesequence of steps.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indicatorrepresents a conditional step following the first step, the conditionalstep being conditioned on the information received in the first step,and wherein selecting the second step comprises deciding whether theconditional step should be initiated.
 9. The method of claim 8 whereinit is decided that the conditional step should not be initiated, andwherein placing the interactive second step symbol after the first stepsymbol comprises moving the second step symbol from a position after thefirst indicator to a position after the first step symbol.
 10. Themethod of claim 8 wherein it is decided that the conditional step shouldbe initiated, and wherein placing the interactive second step symbolafter the first step symbol comprises placing the second step symbolbetween the first step symbol and an interactive third step symbol. 11.The method of claim 8 further comprising displaying an interactive thirdstep symbol after the second step symbol, the interactive third stepsymbol being capable of initiating a third step in the sequence, anddisplaying a second indicator after the third step symbol, the secondindicator indicating that a selection of a step to follow the third stepdepends on information received in the third step.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the sequence comprises at least two alternative stepsfollowing the first step, wherein a choice between the alternative stepsdepends on the information received in the first step, and whereinselecting the second step comprises choosing between the alternativesteps.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising displaying aninteractive third step symbol after the second step symbol, theinteractive third step symbol being capable of initiating a third stepin the sequence, and displaying a second indicator after the third stepsymbol, the second indicator indicating that a selection of a step tofollow the third step depends on information received in the third step.14. Computer-readable medium with program instructions stored thereonthat when executed perform the following functions for interacting witha user entering information: displays a pane as a user interface for auser to enter information in a sequence of steps, the pane comprising aninformation entry area, an interactive first step symbol capable ofinitiating a first step in the sequence, and a first indicator placedafter the first step symbol, the first indicator indicating that aselection of a step to follow the first step depends on informationreceived in the first step; selects a second step to follow the firststep using information received in the first step; and removes the firstindicator and places an interactive second step symbol after the firststep symbol, the second step symbol being capable of initiating thesecond step.
 15. The medium of claim 14 further comprising instructionsthat when executed process the information received in the first step.16. The medium of claim 15 further comprising instructions that whenexecuted provide the first step symbol with a status indicator afterprocessing the information, the status indicator indicating a level ofcompletion of the first step.
 17. The medium of claim 16 wherein thestatus indicator is selected from the group consisting of a completionindicator, a warning indicator, and a failure indicator.
 18. The mediumof claim 14 wherein the sequence comprises a plurality of steps andwherein each step is associated with a step symbol, further comprisinginstructions that when executed receive and process information for eachof the steps in turn, and provide each step symbol with a statusindicator after processing information received in that step, eachstatus indicator indicating a level of completion for that step.
 19. Themedium of claim 14 wherein the interactive first step symbol was madeinteractive after successfully processing information received in aprior step of the sequence, the prior step preceding the first step inthe sequence.
 20. The medium of claim 14 further comprising instructionsthat when executed displays a termination symbol associated with a finalstep of the sequence, the termination symbol being highlighted followinga completion of the sequence of steps.
 21. The medium of claim 14,wherein the first indicator represents a conditional step following thefirst step, the conditional step being conditioned on the informationreceived in the first step, and wherein selecting the second stepcomprises deciding whether the conditional step should be initiated. 22.The medium of claim 21 wherein it is decided that the conditional stepshould not be initiated, and wherein placing the interactive second stepsymbol after the first step symbol comprises moving the second stepsymbol from a position after the first indicator to a position after thefirst step symbol.
 23. The medium of claim 21 wherein it is decided thatthe conditional step should be initiated, and wherein placing theinteractive second step symbol after the first step symbol comprisesplacing the second step symbol between the first step symbol and aninteractive third step symbol.
 24. The medium of claim 21 furthercomprising instructions that when executed displays an interactive thirdstep symbol after the second step symbol, the interactive third stepsymbol being capable of initiating a third step in the sequence, anddisplays a second indicator after the third step symbol, the secondindicator indicating that a selection of a step to follow the third stepdepends on information received in the third step.
 25. The medium ofclaim 14, wherein the sequence comprises at least two alternative stepsfollowing the first step, wherein a choice between the alternative stepsdepends on the information received in the first step, and whereinselecting the second step comprises choosing between the alternativesteps.
 26. The medium of claim 25 further comprising instructions thatwhen executed displays an interactive third step symbol after the secondstep symbol, the interactive third step symbol being capable ofinitiating a third step in the sequence, and displays a second indicatorafter the third step symbol, the second indicator indicating that aselection of a step to follow the third step depends on informationreceived in the third step.